Winnipeg Jets stars Kyle Connor, Neal Pionk, and Connor Hellebuyck have been invited to USA Hockey's Olympic Orientation Camp in Plymouth, Michigan, next week. The camp, running from August 26-27, is a preliminary step as the United States prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
This marks the first time since 2014 that NHL players will participate in the Winter Olympics, granting Connor, Pionk, and Hellebuyck their first opportunity to represent their country in a best-on-best tournament on hockey's biggest stage.
The orientation camp is designed primarily for administrative tasks and team-building exercises, with no formal on-ice activities planned. All 23 players from the United States' second-place team at the 4 Nations Face-Off were invited to the camp.
Connor Hellebuyck is perhaps the most decorated of the three invitees. The goaltender is coming off a career-defining season, having secured his second consecutive Vezina Trophy and the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player. Hellebuyck's stellar performance anchors the U.S. team in net.
Kyle Connor, a prolific scorer, was among the 24 forwards selected for the orientation camp roster. Last season, the Michigan native led the Jets with 97 points, scoring 41 goals and 56 assists in 82 games. The 2024-25 season was Connor's seventh consecutive 30-plus goal season. Connor previously represented the U.S. at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. However, his role was limited, and he was controversially scratched from the final game. In three round-robin games, he recorded one assist and a minus-1 rating, averaging 12:27 of ice time.
Neal Pionk is a notable addition to the U.S. roster, having not participated in the Four Nations Face-Off. The defenseman is expected to bring a strong two-way presence to the American blue line. In 69 games last season, Pionk had 10 goals and 29 assists for 39 points, along with a plus-21 rating. Pionk's steady defensive play and experience make him a valuable asset. He previously won a bronze medal at the 2018 IIHF World Championship in Denmark.
These three Jets players join a strong core of NHL stars on Team USA, including Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, and Dylan Larkin. With Hellebuyck in goal, Connor leading the offense, and Pionk solidifying the defense, the Jets' American contingent is well-positioned to significantly impact the Olympic tournament in Milan.
The men's Olympic hockey tournament is scheduled for February 11-22. The last time NHL players participated in the Olympics in 2014, Canada won its third gold medal in four games.
